Malawi’s new president Lazarus Chakwera’s official inauguration was held on Monday after he was sworn into office after he defeated the former leader Peter Mutharika in a keenly contested poll rerun.
The event was largely scaled down due to rising cases of the COVID-19 pandemic. It took place at the Kamuzu Barracks in Lilongwe. In attendance were high level members of government.
The guest list according to reports was restricted to just 100 delegates after the president cancelled major celebrations which were expected to be held at the Bingu National Stadium.
The most notable foreign dignitary being Samia Suluhu, Tanzania vice-president. Most diplomats serving in the country were in attendance with a more visible show of virus prevention measures as compared to a week ago during the packed swearing in.
Senator Gideon Moi led the Kenyan delegation to the inauguration ceremony.
The president officially received the sword of office which confers on him the power as Commander – in – chief of the Armed Forces.
